Less than one in ten reported rapes in the Avon and Somerset police area resulted in a conviction last year.

Exclusive analysis of police-recorded data and figures from the Crown Prosecution Service revealed there were 1,205 rapes reported to Avon and Somerset police in 2016/17 - but only 86 people were convicted.

The low number of convictions is due in part to the fact that only a small number of people in the region were actually charged with rape last year.

Out of the 1,205 reported rapes, only 145 went to court. This means over a third of prosecutions for rape were unsuccessful.

Only 145 reported rapes went to court (Image: Artur Lesniak)

Nationally, the convictions rate for all reported rapes is the same as it is in Avon and Somerset - across the country as a whole seven per cent of reported rapes resulted in a conviction.

Of the rapes that were reported in Avon and Somerset last year, 901 victims were adults and 304 were children under the age of 16.

Of those, 94 per cent of recorded rape offences against adults were against women and 86 per cent of recorded rape offences against children under 16 were against girls.

Why do so many reported rapes not lead to a conviction?

There are many possible reasons why a reported rape does not continue to conviction.

For example, as well as the defendant being acquitted by a jury - which was the main reason why prosecutions were unsuccessful last year - it might be the case that the victim does not wish for the case to be taken to court at all.

However, the Rape Monitoring Group stress that while conviction figures are extremely important, they may provide an incomplete picture of how effectively rape is being tackled locally.

For example, they point to the large increase in the number of rapes that were recorded in England and Wales over the last few years.

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Rather than an increase in the actual prevalence of rapes, this may be the result of improvements in how the police record crimes, or may mean that victims have an increased understanding that a crime has been committed, or feel more confident in being believed when reporting what happened to them.

SuptMarie Wright of Avon and Somerset police said: “There’s been an increase in the number of offences of rape and sexual assault reported to us, which is extremely positive as it shows people have increased trust and confidence in our response to these crimes.

“We’re working hard to increase the levels of charges and summons and are working closely with our CPS colleagues to improve positive outcomes through the criminal justice arena.

“Figures show that in recent years we have been maintaining a higher than national average for the number of charges and summons issued and we’re aiming to get back to this stronger position.

Chief Inspector Marie Wright is the force lead for rape and sexual assault

“Our response to rape and sexual assault is victim-focused and providing the right outcome for each individual affected by this abhorrent crime. In some cases, a prosecution and appearance in court is not what a vulnerable victim wants or is best for them.

“The welfare and protection of victims will always be at the forefront of our investigations and we provide a comprehensive package of support to victims with the help of our partners, including organisations like The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre, SafeLink and SARSAS, as well as through our Lighthouse Victim Care service and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA).

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“Ultimately we want to deter offenders and most importantly give victims the courage to come forward, no matter how long ago offences were committed. Our message on this is clear: ‘You don’t have to tell us. Just tell someone.’

“If you want more information about reporting rape or sexual assault you can visit our dedicated microsite at www.thisisnotanexcuse.org"

How to report a rape

Government guidelines:

If the offence has recently happened:

keep the clothes you were wearing and don’t wash them - the police may need them as evidence for the investigation

try not to shower as there may be evidence which the police can use

If you’re under 17, the Child Protection Unit of your local police station will deal with your case.

If you don’t want to report it to the police

England and Wales

Some areas have Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) - use the NHS Choices tool to find one in your area. They can offer you medical support and collect evidence that can be used later.

What happens next

arrange for you to have a medical examination - and treatment for any injuries you have

give you support and advice

explain what happens next

The police have specialist teams who are trained to deal with rape and sexual assault. You can ask to speak to an officer or staff member who’s the same sex as you.

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